Shoe fastening device



Sepf- 21, 1965 R. E. JONES ETAL 3,206,819

SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Filed May 5l, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept 21, 1965 R. E. JONES ETAL 3,206,819

SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Filed May 5l, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet. 2

1;;614. INVENTORS.

QAM PH E: tfoA/Es Lft/60 MHA/ Eg United States Patent O 3,206,819 SHOE `FASTENIN G DEVICE Ralph E. Jones, 4150 Bedford Drive, San Diego, Calif., and Hugo Mahler, 10030 Sunset Ave., La Mesa, Calif. `Filed May 31, 1962, Ser. No. 199,077 2 Claims. (Cl. Z4- 225) This invention relates to a fastener for shoes and the like in which 4a `closure strap laterally across and above the foot is used.

The objects of this invention are: to provide an economical, time-saving, highly efficient, durable, troubleproof, and attractive fastener for this type of shoe; one that can be latched closed or unlatched easily and instantly, thus saving much time during the life of a pair of shoes; one that will very seldom if ever come unlatched when that is not intended; one that can be adjusted for tension across the foot without difficulty by an adult, and to any desired degree of exactitude; one that at the initial store-fitting can, if the shoe iits otherwise, be fitted exactly to any thickness' of foot, the excess of closure strap being cut away if need be, and yet leaving -a degree of remaining space to suit all future needs of later adjustment; and one normally locked in its position with closure strap doubled and adjusted.

It may be noted that this invention is suitable 'for use on 'high boots provided a plurality of the fasteners is placed on each boot.

This particular form of fastener has also been devised to give a marked advantage in the case of the shoes for younger children. `For such use a form of fastener is needed that such children can operate, but cannot disassembleand so lose parts. That need is accordingly filled in this case by virtue of the rivet-like securing piece, which prevents disassembly `by younger children. This device 'for childrens shoes saves much shoeretying time on the part of parents and teachers.

All this, and the fastener comprises only two parts bent from iiat metal, and two very trivial nonmetal parts; that is all.

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is had to be accompanying drawings which form `a part hereof. Like numerals refer to like parts in all views of the drawings and throughout the description.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe with this iinproved fastener thereon and in the closed wearing position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan View of the fastener in the closed and latched position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational section on line 3-3 of FIG. 2, but showing the device in an unlatched and `partially open position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the device in the closed and latched position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the anchoring element;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the clasp;

FIG. 7iis across section on line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross section on line 8 8 of FIG. 6;

F-IG. 9 is a side elevational view of the fastener in an open position, but in the process of closure for latching;

FIG. l() is similar to FIG. 9, and shows the device nearly in the closed and latched position, but `with the clasp having been lifted for unlatching;

FIG. l1 is a partial Vplan view of the closure strap, particularly in relation to the placing lof holes for the rivet-like securing piece;

FIG. l2 is a cross section of the closure strap, also ineluding a view of the rivet-like securing piece just before being installed;

ICC

FIG. 13 is a partial cross section of the closure strap showing `the rivet-like securing piece installed, including the later removal of its tail; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the type of thickener resembling a match stick, showing an approximation of its shape and length.

Referring to the drawings in detail, a shoe 10 is shown having a closure strap 11, an outer liap 12, and an installed shoe fastener 13, the fastener consisting chiefly of two sheet-metal parts, which are an anchoring element or base 14, and a clasp or shell 15, but the fastener Vhas also as minor parts a rivet-like securing piece 16, and a .thickener 17. The thickener 17 may be merely a wooden match stick of appropriate length.

The anchoring element 14 is at the time of shoe manufacture securely installed upon the outer flap 12 of the upper. For making such installation secure, the anchoring element 14 has `four integral securing tabs 18, 19, 20, and 21. The securing tabs 18 and 19 are cut from the metal in outwardly extending portions. The securing tabs 2t) and 21 are cut from the metal in the approximately indicated areas 22 and 23. All four such securing tabs are inserted downward through properly placed slits in the leather of outer flap 12, and `thence bent upward firmly so that the leather is securely held between the said securing tabs and the main portion of the anchoring element 14.

The anchoring element 14 has two upwardly bent diagonal rails 24 and 25, which are so Vplaced as to center the clasp 15 `upon the anchoring element 14 when the two parts yare forced together in closing and latching. The anchoring element 14 also has an upturned flange 26 which furnishes means `for the forefinger 27 (shown in FIG. 9) to press against when closing. The anchoring element 14 also has a bent-upward integral latching element or lip 28 which enters the slot 29 of the clasp 15 in order to engage in hooked relation with a latching element on the clasp having the form of a cross bar 30.

The clasp 15 has an upturned flange or wall 31 Which aids the `thumb 32 in effecting closure.

As to unlatching, see FIG. `10. Though the thumb 32 again lbears against the flange 31, the second finger 33 this time bears against `the flange 26, the foreiinger 27 in this case `being reserved for lifting with pressure against the lifting tab 34. In this way the cross bar 30 is lifted higher than the latching lip 28 so that the clasp 15, thus unlatched, can move back to any ofthe various positions separated from the anchoring element. When it is the other shoe that is Vbeing unlatched, it is the lifting tab 35 which the forenger utilizes in accomplishing the unlatching.

In the process of latching, when `the cross bar 30 touches the latching lip 28, due to the squeezing pressure upon flanges 31 and 26 toward eachother, it, the cross bar 30, starts to slide up the inclined slope of the latching lip 28. As soon as it has passed by the slightest margin the end of the latching lip 2S, it falls down yagainst the main surface of the anchoring element 14. Then, as the squeezing pressure is eased off on the two anges, the cross bar 30 is pulled yback by the normal tension of the closure s trap 11to a position underneathlthe edge of the latching lip 28; and the latching is thus made complete.

It may be noted that the length of the slot 29 is Inaterially greater than the lateral length of the latching lip `28. This, combined with the centering and center holding action of the diagonal rails 24 and 25, gives assurance that an edge of the latchinglip 2S will not catch against the clasp 15 and so interfere with latching.

In the process of unlatching, squeezing pressure upon the flanges 26 and 31 iirst removes the cross bar 30 from beneath the latching lip 28. Then the foreinger 27 engages a lifting tab 34 or 35. Then, if need be, the degree of flange pressure is reduced somewhat so that the pressure of cross bar 30 upon flange 26 will not be so great as to interfere with unlatching. Then the forenger, lifting by means of lifting tab 34 or 35, raises the cross bar 30 adequately in relation to the latching lip 28, an unlatching is thus accomplished.

The llanges 26 and 31 should have some feature that will help materially in preventing the finger or thumb from slipping off when squeezing pressure is applied. For this purpose, the drawings show concavity on the outer surfaces, which may be adequate. But another means that might be a substitute or a supplement would be the making of those surfaces markedly rough.

If considered needed or desirable, there might be placed on the face of flange 26 that is toward the latching lip 28, `on the lower part of the flange, -a shallow groove into which the edge of the cross bar 30 might be lightly locked by squeezing pressure on the llanges. This might constitute a still stronger guarantee that unin-tentional unlatching would practically never occur.

We now go to the use of the closure strap 11 in effecting adjustment, and the use of the rivet-like securing piece 16 in assuring that younger children having the fastener will not disturb its adjustment nor lose any part.

At the shoe factory the closure strap 11 is made long so that it can lit any thickness of foot including the thickest. When the initial fitting of a slender foot has been accomplished at the shoe store, the excess of closure strap 11 is cut otf, but leaving an excess of strap beyond the clasp, this excess being about 5A; inch. Thus is provided a fully adequate reserve which might in future be partially required by foot growth and the use of thicker stockings. The end of this reserved portion of strap can be seen at 36 in FIG. 3.

The clasp is box-like in shape and provides a tapered socket, as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, and two opposite ends are open, the most narrow end and opening being on the side by the llange 31. The taper shows in FIG. 8 where the thickness of the narrow opening can be seen at 37.

The closure strap 11 in making the fitting adjustment is doubled back upon itself at a point 38 in FIG. 3. This tting can be made with any desired degree of precision.

It can be seen that the upper and lower sides 39 and 40 of the clasp 15 have a good deal of taper between them, the thicker opening being at 41. The closure strap 11 at the point 38 is doubled around a thickener 17, thus making that part of the doubled strap 11 so thick that it cannot possibly pass through the thinner opening below llange 31. This thickener 17 may be very simple. It may be merely a wooded match stick that has a length which is a trifle less than the width of the closure strap 11. This width of the closure strap 11, over the major portion of its length, is just right for fitting inside the opening 37. The thickener 17 however need not be of wood and similar to a match stick. It might be of different shaped plastic or other material. It may be anything to accomplish the thickening.

The adjustment of a pair of shoes for a young child having been completed, it is necessary to take steps so that such child practically cannot loosen the closure strap 11 and draw it out through the opening 41 of the clasp 15. For that a round hole is cut through the two thicknesses of closure strap 11 close to the ange 31, into which is installed the rivet-like securing piece 16.

The rivet-like securing piece 16 comprises: a relatively large upper head 42, a neck 43, a lower tapered head 44 having somewhat less diameter than the head 42, and a removable tail 45. Its preferred material is plastic. The diameter of the hole through the two thicknesses of closure strap 11 should be somewhat greater than the diameter of the neck 43 and the tail 45. The maximum diameter of the tapered head 44 should be moderately greater than that of the hole. The length of the neck should be suicient to facilitate getting the tapered head 44 past the lower thickness of the closure strap 11 when installing.

The shoe being unlatched, and the hole having been cut, the tail 45 is thrust downward into it. With a pair of pliers, the downward portion of the tail 45 is pulled further downward until the neck 43 occupies exclusively the interior space of the hole. Then the tail 45 is eut off close to the tapered head 44. The shoe is then ready to wear. Diameters are so regulated that the rivet-like securing piece 16 does not pull into place easily nor with excessive difficulty. The young child does not have a supply of rivet-like securing pieces 16 in his possession. Preferably he also does not have access to pliers. Removing the installed rivet-like securing piece 16 with the ngers is utterly impossible. Removing it by any means except cutting it is destructive and extremely ditlicult. And things cannot be taken apart except after its removal. Hence the adjustment job seems very safe against disturbance.

When an adult desires his ehilds shoes readjusted, if he does not have it done at the store, he rst separates the two parts of closure strap 11 in the vicinity of the straps end 36, and then, with a knife or other cutting means, he cuts the neck 43 between the two thicknesses of strap.

Only one rivet-like securing piece 16 is used at any time with one shoe. The first adjustment may have its hole wherever desired crosswise of the closure strap 11. But a possible method is to place it at 46. A second adjustment, months later, might be made at 47, and a third, if ever needed, might be made intermediate between the two. The foregoing deals with locations laterally of the closure strap 11. Longitudinally they will vary according to the amount of adjustment needed. As an alternative if desired, the initial adjustment might be made in the straps center laterally, and later adjustments if any might use positions such as 46 or 47.

Referring to FIG. 11, assume the initial adjustment installation at 48, its center in accordance with the vertical lines, and assume a readjustment change equal to only the radius of the punched hole. That puts the old holes as shown at 48. Punching a readjustment hole at 48 is obviously undesirable, such a small change having been made. So we put it at 49 where everything is fresh. Then, after the second adjustment, conditions are wholly satisfactory. The closure strap 11 has been tightened only a distance equal to the radius of the hole. Actually the minimum for any desired change would be closer to 1A; inch. No real diiculty in satisfactory adjustment is foreseen.

Having thus described our invention, and with the understanding that it may be varied Within the scope of the claims, we claim:

1. A shoe fastener for use with a shoe of the type that includes an upper having two spaced llaps one of which is provided with a transverse closure strap of a length to span the space between said flaps and to overlie the other of said flaps, said shoe fastener being capable of releasably securing said closure strap to said other flap, and including:

(a) a generally horizontal base having a lower surface conforming to and seatable against the upper surface of said other flap;

(b) means for securing said base to said other flap with said lower surface of said base seated against said upper surface of said other flap;

(c) a generally horizontal shell connectible to said closure strap and adapted to overlie said base;

(d) means for connecting said shell to said closure strap;

(e) said base having on its upper side a latching element sloping upwardly from its upper surface in a direction away from said one flap;

(f) said shell having a latching element engageable in hooked relation with said latching element on said base in response to movement of said shell relative to said base in :said direction;

(g) said shell having at the end thereof nearer said one flap an upright Wall engageable by one of the users ingers in moving said shell relative to said base in said direction to engage said latching ele ments in hooked relation; and

(h) interengageable means on said base and said shell for guiding said latching elements into hooked interengagement in response to movement of said shell relative to said base in said direction.

2. A shoe fastener according to claim 1 wherein said shell provides a tapered socket tapering toward said one flap and open at both ends, and wherein the means of subparagraph (d) includes a loop in said closure strap inserted into the smaller end of said socket and a loop thickener Within said loop to prevent Withdrawal of said loop from said smaller end of said socket.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 331,946 12/85 Danforth 24-201 5 360,390 3/87 Moore 85-10 X 1,600,279 9/26 Epstein 24-204 2,366,510 1/45 Frank 85-37 FOREIGN PATENTS 10 757,700 10/ 33 France.

312,693 6/ 19 Germany. 603,525 6/48 Great Britain.

DONLEY J. STOCKING, Primary Examiner. 15 ABRAHAM G. STONE, Examiner. 

1. A SHOE FASTENER FOR USE WITH A SHOE OF THE TYPE THAT INCLUDES AN UPPER HAVING TWO SPACES FLAPS ONE OF WHICH IS PROVIDED WITH A TRANSVERSE CLOSURE STRAP OF A LENGTH TO SPAN THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID FLAPS AND TO OVERLIE THE OTHER OF SAID FLAPS, SAID SHOE FASTENER BEING CAPABLE OF RELEASABLY SECURING SAID CLOSURE STRAP TO SAID OTHER FLAP, AND INCLUDING: (A) A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL BASE HAVING A LOWER SURFACE CONFORMING TO AND SEATABLE AGAINST THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID OTHER FLAP; (B) MEANS FOR SECURING SAID BASE TO SAID OTHER FLAP WITH SAID LOWER SURFACE OF SAID BASE SEATED AGAINST SAID UPPER SURFACE OF SAID OTHER FLAP; (C) A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL SHELL CONNECTIBLE TO SAID CLOSURE STRAP AND ADAPTED TO OVERLIE SAID BASE; (D) MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID SHELL TO SAID CLOSURE STRAP; (E) SAID BASE HAVING ON ITS UPPER SIDE A LATCHING ELEMENT SLOPING UPWARDLY FROM ITS UPPER SURFACE IN A DIRECTION AWAY FROM SAID ONE FLAP; (F) SAID SHELL HAVING A LATCHING ELEMENT ENGAGEABLE IN HOOKED RELATION WITH SAID LATCHING ELEMENT ON SAID BASE IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SID SHELL RELATIVE TO SAID BASE IN SAID DIRECTION; (E) SAID SHELL HAVING AT THE END THEROF NEARER SAID ONE FLAP AN UPRIGHT WALL ENGAGEABLY BY ONE OF THE USER''S FINGERS IN MOVING SAID SHELL RELATIVE TO SAID BASE IN SAID DIRECTION TO ENGAGE SAID LATCHING ELEMENTS IN HOOKED RELATION; AND (H) INTERENGAGEABLE MEANS ON SAID BASE AND SAID SHELL FOR GUIDING SAID LATCHING ELEMENTS INTO HOOKED INTERENGAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID SHELL RELATIVE TO SAID BASE IN SAID DIRECTION. 